ACE Home Center presents annual holiday donation to Cancer Coalition

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “Giving back to the community” is a stance that Neil’s Ace Home Center does not take lightly.

Since 2009, Neil’s ACE Home Center has partnered with the American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition to raise stipends for cancer patients for their medical expenses, medical care and daily expenses.

The company stated in a press release that normally, the annual holiday fundraising project includes “customer participation” where at the time of the customer’s purchase, Ace cashiers ask customers if they’d like to make a donation and the customers became known as “ACE ANGELS”.

“In the past, Ace has matched that donation, dollar for dollar.  However, for 2022, Neil’s ACE recognized the financial burdens and stresses that families and customers were already facing with the cost of goods going up, and inflation.

“Rather than asking for donations at the registers, Neil’s ACE invited customers to buy their Toys, Bikes and Christmas Decorations with Neil’s ACE during the month of December. A portion of these sales would then be donated to the Cancer Coalition.

“For 2022, the donation presented to Chairman Adney Reid and Board Member Luana Scanlan, was $33,000.”

Neil’s ACE Home Center, a locally family owned company — the Scratch Family — with over 110 employees, and lead by its President and CEO Ngaire Ho Ching has celebrated 38 years of business in American Samoa and is committed to giving back to the community.

Neil’s ACE thanks their customers for their spirit of love and community service. 

BACKGROUND ON ASCCC

The cancer coalition — the ASCCC — relies on the generosity of people to provide funds that will offer the support, information, and services to families going through one of the toughest fights of their lives.

The ASCCC oversees cancer support groups for people who are dealing with cancer, either as patients, survivors, or a close friend or family member.

“The emotional stresses of cancer from the diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond can be very hard on just about anybody. Joining a support group can help you learn how to talk to others about your situation and eventually help you deal with it.”

Furthermore the ASCCC points out that they can conduct presentations on their mission.

“Education, awareness, and prevention are three key elements in fighting cancer’s effects in our community. Help us help you and those you love and care about.

“The American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition believes that the quality of life for cancer patients can improve when they share experiences.  

“Cancer survivors make a difference every day by educating others on the treatment process and the myths behind cancers.  A survivor can help people move from ‘victim’ to ‘victor’.  

“If you are a Cancer Survivor in the territory, we call upon your assistance.

“Your experience can help others who are struggling with this disease.

“There are many ways that you can help, be a “buddy” to a cancer patient. 

•           Call someone with cancer; offer to attend their physician meetings;

•           contact them via internet.

•           share your treatment choices with others.  

•           help patients to be prepared during their physician visits. 

•           let people know that you care, by listening, by sharing your thoughts, and by providing assistance will be helpful to not only patients, but family and friends of someone with cancer.”

 “Most importantly is get involved. Join the effort by becoming a member of the ASCCC by filling out a membership form. If you would like more information on how you can get involved please contact us via email at [email protected] or call 699-0110.”